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We sadly say goodbye to our dear friend Polly Rallis……

July 10th, 2016 by Chuck Morrison

Since the Bestwick Foundation’s inception, Polly has been there doing everything and anything to help us succeed, and it with heavy hearts that we say goodbye. Beloved mother of Dan Rallis, one of our Founders and our Treasurer, Polly was a friend to all of us here and to our donors and volunteers alike, and she will be greatly missed.

Obituary of Pauline Rallis

Pauline “Polly” H. Rallis

Pauline “Polly” Rallis, of State College, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Juniper Village at Brookline, State College, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 80 years old.

Polly was born in Clarence, Pennsylvania on October 8, 1935 to the late John and Anna (Sveda) Halsnik. Immediately following her graduation from Snow Shoe High School in 1954, she moved to State College where she resided and worked as a server at the Hotel State College (The Corner Room) for Matty Mateer. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Christos “Chris” J. Rallis, and on July 21, 1956, Polly and Chris married in the Dormition of the Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Byzantine Catholic Church, Clarence. Together with her husband, Polly co-managed the Greek restaurant, “Christies,” in State College until it closed in the late 1950’s. Mr. Rallis proceeded her in death in June 1980.

She worked for well-known State College photographer, Bill Coleman before founding her own company, PR Associates, which developed and designed the forerunner of the Beaver Stadium (Football) Pictorial. During this time, Polly began her long career in property and real estate management for Sidney Friedman, Real Estate Group, State College, retiring in 2009, after having worked in that industry for 44 years.

Polly was a Charter Board Member of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. She served on the Boards of Penn State Centre Stage, The Palmer Museum of Art and The Nittany Valley Symphony. Throughout her life she volunteered for and/or supported many local civic organizations, including State College Meals on Wheels, Schlow Centre Region Library, Penn State Alumni Association, State College Music Academy, Centre County Republican Party, Centre Volunteers in Medicine, Mt. Nittany Medical Center, University Women’s Club and The State Theatre, and was a member of Centre Hills Country Club for many years.

Following the illness and death of her son, James (Jim) Rallis in 2001, Polly and her family became involved with the American Cancer Society’s “Coaches vs. Cancer” organization, after which time she assisted others with co-founding The Bestwick Foundation, which provides financial support to local individuals and families dealing with cancer and other hardships. She remained an avid supporter of this foundation throughout her illness.

She cherished spending time with her devoted family and adored her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending Penn State Football and Basketball games with her wonderful friends, appreciated floral gardens and live theatre, and loved dining out, especially with the “Birthday Group.” She greeted everyone with a smile and found joy in surprising people with thoughtful gestures.

In addition to her parents, husband and son, Polly was proceeded in death by two brothers, Michael and Andrew Halsnik, and three sisters Agnes Kos, Margie Beals and Mary Stasko.

She is survived by two sons, Dennis J. Rallis and Daniel J. Rallis, both of State College; daughter-in-law, Terri Schleiden (Bill) of Centre Hall; grandchildren Paul Christos Rallis and Kaleena Rallis of Los Angeles; Christos W. Rallis of Philadelphia; and Gavin, Keagan and Sophia Rallis of State College; along with several nieces and nephews.

A visitation and gathering for family and friends will be held at Koch Funeral Home, State College, on Tuesday, July 5th from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. A private memorial service will be held on a later date at the family’s convenience.

At Polly’s request, memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers in her memory to The Bestwick Foundation, www.bestwickfoundation.org.